One thing you can count on with the Detroit Lions is that they are never, ever boring. Follow the latest news including injuries, roster moves and more here daily from Oakland Press beat writer Paula Pasche. Plus you'll find regular commentary about the team.

8/28/2013

Detroit Lions: Five players to watch in final preseason game at Buffalo

Jobs will be won or lost during the Detroit Lions’ final preseason game at Buffalo on Thursday night.

Still, there are starting jobs that have not been settled including right tackle and right guard. Jason Fox seems to get the most practice reps at right tackle while right guard looks to be a toss-up between Jake Scott, rookie Larry Warford, Dylan Gandy and Leroy Harris.

Depth players will be key in this contest since starters aren’t expected to get much playing time. Remember, usually the players on the field at the end of the fourth quarter don’t have much of a chance to make the 53-man roster.

Here are five players to watch:

1. Cornerback Ron Bartell. Early on he seemed to have the edge on possibly earning the starting spot opposite Chris Houston. Through minicamp and the start of training camp, he was lining up with the first-team defense. Rookie Darius Slay worked his way up to work with the starters. Now it seems like Bartell could be out of the picture completely unless the Lions decide it would be good to have his veteran presence.

2. Cornerback Chris Greenwood. Last week he played his first game of any sort since he was drafted in 2012. He was on injured reserve for his rookie season. If he can get up to speed on special teams he has chance of making the 53-man roster. If not, he’s a candidate for the practice squad.

3. Wide receiver Kris Durham. He hasn’t gotten many reps, but has had a few outstanding plays in camp especially in the red zone. Durham was on the practice squad last season and then played the final four games with eight catches for 125 yards and a touchdown. He played with Matthew Stafford at Georgia so they have a connection. With Calvin Johnson sitting with a bruised knee and Terrence Austin’s release, Durham seemed to be getting more work at Tuesday’s practice.

4. Defensive end Willie Young. He has to have a clean game (no stupid penalties) or he could be gone. Understandably coach Jim Schwartz was not pleased with Young’s penalty for taunting Patriots quarterback Tom Brady last week.

5. Safety Amari Spievey (in photo). He has not had a great camp and could be on his way out. He was a third-round pick in the 2010 draft and then converted from cornerback to safety.

About Me

Paula Pasche, a veteran sports writer, covers the Lions for The Oakland Press. She has written a book, "100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die" which is available at bookstores and on Amazon.com. She won first place for column writing from the Society of Professional Journalists in Detroit (Class B) in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and was The Oakland Press 2010 Staffer of the Year.